Curt CrossWing or Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch for a 2021 Ram 2500

Published 01/01/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Andersen Ultimate Connection 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch System with Adapter - 20,000 lbs

(125)

$863.48

B&W Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches

(170)

$260.00

B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs

(767)

$899.00

B&W 5th Wheel Lifting Device for Companion and Patriot Hitches

(403)

$38.00

Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Connector - 10' Long

(254)

$137.95

Curt CrossWing Lightweight 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - 20K

(86)

$749.95

Question:

My tow vehicle is a 2021 Ram 2500 6-1/2 Foot Bed without OEM Prep Pkg. Need recommendations, towing I am towing a 2018 Keystone - Montana High Country 345RL 37.25ft. Fifth Wheel GVWR 14,260 lbs. Hitch Weight 2,260lbs. Need recommendations is the Curt CrossWing Lightweight 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - 20K Item c86jr a good option? If so what all the items including rails do I need to purchase for a full installation? If CrossWing is not a good option what is your recommendation for a lighter hitch? Thank you.

asked by: Loyd G

Helpful Expert Reply:

If you are wanting something light weight then the Curt CrossWing Lightweight 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch item # C86JR is the right hitch for you. The CrossWing weighs in at 87 lbs. The main concern with using the CrossWing on your 2021 Ram 2500 is that you have the shorter 6-1/2' bed. This hitch does have a 5" offset that pushes the connection point back towards your tailgate but depending on how large the nose is on your Keystone Montana you may have issues turning and backing.

What I recommend using instead is a sliding 5th wheel hitch like the B&W Patriot 5th item # BWRVK3270. The drawback to this is it is heavy at 219 lbs but will completely eliminate any clearance concerns when you are turning or backing up. This hitch will provide you with 12" of travel. It has a 18,000 lbs capacity. B&W does make a lifting device item # BWRVXA3130 that you can attach to a pully to install and remove the Patriot from the bed of your truck.

To use either one of these hitches you will need the B&W Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails item # BWRVK2602. This custom fit kit will install in preexisting holes in your trucks frame. It will provide you with a set of industry standard rails that will work with both the Curt CrossWing and the B&W Patriot Slider along with many other 5th wheel hitches.

To make towing with a 5th wheel easier I recommend adding the Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Connector - 10' Long item # C56000. This harness puts a 7-way connector in the bed of your truck and allows you to keep the one on your bumper. This makes hooking up to your 5th wheel trailer easier and more convenient.

I have linked some pictures below of these products installed along with installation videos so you can see the process.